Hey there, If i'm running a factory 10bolt 8.2 rearend in my 70Skylark 350.4bbl Non GS car, What gears would fit??? I know 8.5 gears wont work in 8.2 will they?????
'70 Skylark 8.2 rear will be the only Buick 8.2 rear which has tapered bearing axles. Gearsets & posis were shared with '68 & 69 Buick A-bodys, only for '70, the housing ends changed for the tapered axle bearings. Absolutely have to stay with original housing & axles... you will need a lower ratio '68-70 BUICK 8.2 posi carrier, & matching nice set of used '68-70 Buick 8.2 gears. Your 2.56 posi is the highest of all 4 different series of Buick 8.2 carriers, so with youre current BUICK hig ratio posi, you can only stay 2.56 or go to 2.73-2.93 with the help of a modified 8.2 10 bolt ring gear spacer (& extra cost ring gear bolts). Can't really recommend this, esp if upgrading with a 455, unless this '70 is just a take-it easy cruiser type car. When one starts comparing, the 8.5 A-body rear swap will be a better deal. Not only is the 8.5 rear stronger, there are a myriad of parts that are readily available. In most cases, an outright sale of a blueprinted 8.5 A-body posi rear with new gears, bearings, etc will run less than an 8.2 Buick buildup on your housing & axles with questionable quality used Buick 8.2 pieces. Need more info, feel free & e-mail: resto_services@yahoo.com :3gears: Roger
Yeah, David is planning on some strip time with that Skylark. I'm in the same predicament with my 68, having a 69 8.2 2.56 posi rear, but planning a 455 swap, and track time. The 8.2 is fine for now with my mild 350, but.... I really need to go the 8.5 route at some point.
